CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers will introduce Donovan Mitchell at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
But the three-time All-Star guard isn't waiting until then to share the first image of him donning Wine and Gold.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Mitchell posted a series of pictures from a workout that several Cavs players participated in at point guard Darius Garland's alma mater of Vanderbilt. In the first picture, Mitchell can be seen wearing a new Cavs workout shirt in what marks the first image of him in his new team's colors following Cleveland's blockbuster trade to acquire the Louisville product from the Utah Jazz.
In order to acquire the 26-year-old shooting guard, the Cavs sent the Jazz a package including three unprotected first-round picks, two pick swaps, guard Collin Sexton -- who agreed to a four-year, $72 million extension as a part of a sign-and-trade to facilitate the deal -- forward Lauri Markkanen and rookie swingman Ochai Agbaji. Considered one of the NBA's best young players, Mitchell has averaged 23.9 points on .441 percent shooting (.361 from 3-point range), 4.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds while leading Utah to the playoffs in each of his first five seasons in the league.
In acquiring Mitchell, Cleveland adds the 6-foot-1 guard to a core that already includes Garland, All-Star center Jarrett Allen and 2022 unanimous NBA All-Rookie first-team selection Evan Mobley. The Cavs' addition of Mitchell has been met with plenty of praise, with NBA analysts now considering Cleveland to be one of the league's most promising young teams.
“The acquisition of Donovan Mitchell presented us with an incredible opportunity to bring one of the NBA’s most dynamic young All-Stars to Cleveland,” Cavs President of Basketball Operation Koby Altman said in a statement. “Already a special and proven talent at just 25-years-old, Donovan brings a competitive mentality that organically fits with the core group of this team. We are excited to see the impact that someone of Donovan’s caliber can bring to the Cavaliers with his ability to score the basketball, but also make plays for his teammates. We welcome Donovan and his entire family to Northeast Ohio."